IPH response to a consultation on a new Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland
The Institute of Public Health informs public policy to support healthier populations in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Our key priorities are promoting health and wellbeing, improving health equity, and reducing health inequalities through evidence, policy, and partnership.
The Institute responded to a consultation on the proposed content of the new Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2030, launched by the Department for Infrastructure in November 2021.
Key Observations
The Institute made a series of recommendations on the proposed new Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland, including the following:
• Commit to reduce inequalities in injuries and deaths on our roads through targets and specified actions addressing socially disadvantaged and/or vulnerable road users.
• Commit to a five-year programme of legislative review and reform to stimulate and maintain a modal shift in road travel and enhance road safety.
• Establish a research workstream to agree priorities for the evaluation of road safety interventions.
• Enhance the recognition of air pollution as a road safety consideration within the strategy and the responsibility held by this sector to respond to the climate crisis.
• Prioritise the reduction of vehicle speed on 30mph roads and mandate for 20mph speed limits outside all schools.
• Include public health expertise on the proposed Road Safety Forum and engage public health stakeholders in strategy development and implementation.
• Include strategic collaboration with Great Britain and Ireland as a core component of the action plan, particularly in terms of research and data sharing.
• Convene a task and finish group to enhance public transport by addressing barriers that may exist; for example, regarding personal safety and accessibility.
